It noted that Oregon's state cigarette tax is $1.31 a pack
and that the national average state cigarette tax is 36 center higher, $1.67 a
pack.

The story included an interactive poll, asking readers
whether they believe the state's cigarette tax should be higher, lower or stay
where it is. While not scientific, results may indicate how at least some
readers feel about making a dent in Oregon's smoking rate.

The article quoted Carrie Nyssen, the lung association's
regional director of advocacy: "We know," she said, "that for
every 10 percent increase in the price of a pack of cigarettes, the youth
smoking rate drops 6.5 percent and overall tobacco consumption drops by 4
percent. If legislators really wanted to improve the health of Oregonians, they
would do this." In other words, raise the tax.